Chasing Victory

Surviving and thriving when under fire can only be achieved with a team that works together toward a common goal. Without synergy that comes from that bond, the team is destined to fail and in wartime failure equals death. In the business world failure of teamwork could mean loss of income or even the closing of your business. The Band of Brothers series shows the development of a team that is consistently under stress for months at a time. The level of personal dedication they have to each other is beyond most of our imagination. This is seen decades later as they recall significant moments with great emotion.

Woven through the series one paratrooper stood out as the consummate “team player.” This is found in the person of Eugene “Doc” Gilbert Roe, Sr. Admittedly, I am biased due to Roe’s Cajun ancestry. In wartime, he exemplified the sturdy character and resiliency that is found in many with the same ancestry.

“Doc” Roe was a medic and paratrooper assigned to Easy Company during the Normandy Invasion of World War II. Roe quit school early and ultimately enlisted in the army to become a paratrooper. He exemplified the virtues of hard work, selflessness, and dedication.

Most of what we can learn from “Doc” Roes can be seen in the battle of Bastogne. Easy Company spent weeks in the freezing snow-covered forest under nearly constant bombardment from the German army. His role was to save the lives of the men with whom he had trained and come to know on a personal level. As a medic, if bombs were dropping and gunfire blazing, he was getting called to action. Often, risking his own life to save others.

Through my 40 years of working, I have been fortunate to have teammates who were “Doc” Roes at most places I have encountered. These team players often work without distraction and recognition. What makes them tick is the satisfaction of knowing they have helped the team succeed. In short, they have a servant’s heart.

Tips – “Doc” Roe

1. Teamwork is about observing your surroundings and knowing where you can be of the greatest service.

2. Be selfless! Don’t focus on the reward, if any.

3. Be honest about your observations. Do not be scared to speak up.

4. Have compassion for those around you who are struggling.

5. Always do more than what is expected.

6. Leaders – know your best team players and thank them often.

Trap – Myriad of others.

1. The “Me, Me, Me” mentality destroys the team.

2. Leaders – identify the toxic personalities that will destroy the team.

3. Negativity destroys trust.

4. Waiting for others to act so that I don’t have to, will have a high cost professionally and on your team.

Talk again soon,

Jay Toups

Founder

High Performance Teams. By RMR Inc.

Established 2002